Geno Smith for Heisman

Updated 11:39 pm, Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Photo: Justin K. Aller, Getty Images

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MORGANTOWN, WV - SEPTEMBER 29: Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountaineers drops back to pass against the Baylor Bears during the game on September 29, 2012 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia.

MORGANTOWN, WV - SEPTEMBER 29: Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountaineers drops back to pass against the Baylor Bears during the game on September 29, 2012 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West

MORGANTOWN, WV - SEPTEMBER 29: Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs the ball against the Baylor Bears during the game on September 29, 2012 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia.

MORGANTOWN, WV - SEPTEMBER 29: Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs the ball against the Baylor Bears during the game on September 29, 2012 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Photo: Justin K. Aller, Getty Images

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West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith gestures to fans after their NCAA college football game against Baylor in Morgantown, W.Va., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012. Smith threw for 656 yards and tied a Big 12 record with eight touchdown passes to lead No. 9 West Virginia to a 70-63 win over No. 25 Baylor . (AP Photo/Christopher Jackson)

West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith gestures to fans after their NCAA college football game against Baylor in Morgantown, W.Va., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012. Smith threw for 656 yards and tied a Big 12 record

Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountaineers shakes hands after the game against the Baylor Bears on September 29, 2012 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia. WVU defeated Baylor 70-63.

Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountaineers shakes hands after the game against the Baylor Bears on September 29, 2012 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia. WVU defeated Baylor 70-63.

Photo: Justin K. Aller, Getty Images

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West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith throws a touchdown pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against James Madison Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, in Landover, Md. West Virginia won 42-12. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith throws a touchdown pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against James Madison Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, in Landover, Md. West Virginia won 42-12. (AP

West Virginia's move into the Big 12 gives Smith a unique opportunity to be the favored candidate of reporters who covered him last season in the Big East and this season in his new conference. He'll get a boost from both regions if he keeps playing well.

His team

Because of the Mountaineers' leaky defense, Smith likely will be involved in many shootouts such as his 70-63 victory over Baylor. It also means Smith likely will play deep into games and be counted on to pile up big numbers to keep his team successful.

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Smith has benefited from playing an easy schedule so far. But it will change in the coming weeks as the Mountaineers face five teams — TCU, Texas Tech, Iowa State, Oklahoma and Kansas State — who are ranked among the top 22 teams in scoring defense and allow an average of less than 16 points per game.

Other Heisman contenders

E.J. Manuel, Florida State QB: Doesn't pile up the numbers of Smith. But as long as the Seminoles are in the national title hunt, he'll be in the mix.

Collin Klein, Kansas State QB: Dual-threat leader of underrated Wildcats will have his chance to beat Smith and the Mountaineers Oct. 20 in Morgantown.

De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon RB-WR-KR: “The Black Mamba” struggled last week against Washington State, but he's a threat for a big highlight play every time he touches the ball.

Manti Te'o, Notre Dame LB: The prime playmaker on defense will be a big story if the Fighting Irish keep winning.